Research & Development Establishment (Pakistan)

Research & Development Establishment

Agency overview
Formed	May 2020
Preceding agencies	Institute of Optronics MVRDE ARDE
Type	Defense Optronics Mobility and Bridging Simulators Armament
Headquarters	Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Parent department	Ministry of Defence Production
Website	https://rde.gov.pk

The Research and Development Establishment (shortened as RDE) is a defence-related research and development institute located in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. ^[1]

Established in 2020 within the Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP), it focuses on indigenization to support the capabilities of Pakistan Armed Forces and other government agencies. ^[2]

Overview

The Research and Development Establishment (RDE) is a multidisciplinary research and development (R&D) organization established in May 2020 by merging of three previously independent institutions, namely: ^[3]

• Military Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (MVRDE)
• Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE)
• Institute of Optronics (IOP)

RDE promotes self-reliance by developing and producing defense equipment domestically. It also collaborates with academia and industry to develop equipment, vehicles and technology. This reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthens national security. ^{[4] [5]}

Products and services

Products created by RDE include the following: ^{[6] [7]}

• UAVs (VTOL Hybrid Surveillance System, Loitering Munition)
• Multi Grenade Launcher (MGL) - 40 MM
• Multi Channel Exploder (MCE)
• RPG-7 Rocket Launcher (Practice rounds, enhanced penetrators)
• Zapping Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) Kits P-6
• Trailers (Armament, Missile Carrier, Torpedo)
• Blood Bank Refrigerator
• High Altitude Equipment (Thermal Vest and Drawers, Sleeping Bags, Boot Cold Weather)
• Optronics (NVG sights, Short & Medium Range Thermal Weapon Sight)
• Mine Bridging (Mole Plough for tanks)
• Training Simulators
• Design Centre
• Material Testing

References

1. "N.A Standing Committee on Defence Production meet today". na.gov.pk. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
2. "About Us". Directorate General Research Development Establishment (DGRDE).
3. rti (2022-10-26). "Order on Appeal No E224-02/22 M. Zafar Vs Ministry of Defence Production". Pakistan Information Commission. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
4. "Report of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production" (PDF). senate.gov.pk.
5. "Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2022" (PDF). www.sipri.org.
6. "RDE Booklet" (PDF). DEFENCE PRODUCTS BROCHURES.
7. "Research & Development Establishment (RDE) Products". DEPO.